Name: Visitation for Daniel Christopher Smith
Start: 2025-10-24T16:00:00.000Z
End: 2025-10-24T20:00:00.000Z
Location: Peters Funeral Home - Shafter

DANIEL CHRISTOPHER SMITH

DATE – October 16, 2025

Daniel Christopher Smith, at the age of 72, passed away in his home in Shafter, California, on Thursday, October 16, 2025. The son of Reverand William and Grace Smith, Daniel was a graduate of Brooke High School, class of 1971, Brooke County, West Virginia. He was a star athlete in track and football. His football skills got him a full scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh, where he played under Coach Majors. He went on to get his Bachelor of Arts (1975) with a major in Economics and an MBA in Business Administration (1976). After Graduate school, Dan moved to California, where he got a job with Ford Motor Company in their management program.

He married his college sweetheart, Janice Smith, on July 16, 1977. They had their daughters, and Daniel was promoted and moved on to management at Ford Motor Company in Detroit, MI, at the Renaissance Center. He was in marketing and later in Franchising. While in Franchising, he pursued acquiring his own franchise dealership, and he was allowed to purchase Queen City Ford in Long Beach, California, with two other partners. In 1991, He sold his partnership and purchased the franchise in Shafter, California, for Holiday Ford Lincoln Mercury. Daniel ran Holiday Ford LM for over 20 years until the financial bubble of 2008, when Ford Motor Company shut down over 3,000 dealerships in the country. Holiday was one of those dealerships. Daniel and Holiday have received many rewards and recognition in the communities of Shafter, Bakersfield, and Kern County, and among his peers in the automotive business world. He has been recognized as a pillar of his community and a supporter of many community organizations. In 2023, Daniel continued his entrepreneurial journey with his daughter Adia when they founded S3 Consulting Solutions, a project management and business consulting firm.

Daniel leaves behind his wife of 48 years, Janice, his three daughters, Tamu Kitu Kohls, her husband Kristian Kohls, Amani Rashida Crosshabeyeh, and Adia Grace Smith. Sister Melissa Williams and her husband Jay Williams, nephew Matthew Winston, and wife Elizabeth. Sister Michelle Jackson and sons Christopher and Patrick. Sister Lila Wolfram and husband John. Brother David Smith and son Jason Smith. Niece Alicia Rentschler and husband Jonathan. His grandchildren are Mia Rios, Edgardo Crosshabeyeh, Naeem Crosshabeyeh, and Daniel Crosshabeyeh.

A viewing will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025 at Peters Funeral Home Shafter from 4-8pm. A Funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 10am at Cain Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church 630 California Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93304.

Livestreaming will be made available for those who cannot attend.

www.bakersfield.com/obits

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Bakersfield Californian on Oct. 21, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Smith

Sponsored by Peters Funeral Home - Shafter.

13 Entries

Alicia & Jerry De Laurie

October 25, 2025

First met the Smith family while teaching their daughter at Richland School Dist. Then met Dan Smith when we decided to buy a car. They are an awesome family and we are fortunate to have met them.

Don Weimer

October 25, 2025

I was a sales person for Dan at Holiday Ford from 1997 to 2001. He was a pleasure to work with always a smile on his face and eager to help you in any way possible he will be missed by many. D.W.

Roxanne C Clark

October 25, 2025

My sincere condolences to family and friends.

Bill Valerie Crowe, Summerfield, FL

October 24, 2025

We send our sincerest condolences to Dan's family.

CHRIS ANAYA

October 24, 2025

I remember him from
The Blue Note, always very polite & friendly

Madelon Rasz

October 23, 2025

Danny was one of the best of us in high school. Sending heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

Michelle

Sent Flowers

Thomas Cawthon

October 22, 2025

Just to show how small of a world we live in . My memory of Danny was back in the eighties I lived in Los Angeles and worked at a Danish furniture store . I was sitting in the office withe secretary when this guy and his wife walked in . I told the secretary that you´re not going to believe this but I graduated high school with that guy . I went out and asked him if his name was Dan Smith . He said yes and how did I know him . That´s when I told him that I graduated with him from Brooke High . Small world .
Condolences to his family . RWG Dan .

Rick Gonzales

October 22, 2025

I knew Dan and Janice from our Community of Shafter. His daughter Adia and my oldest daughter were childhood friends, and were involved with many activities together growing and attending the local schools. I got to work with Dan years down the road and I really valued his knowledge and wisdom that he was always willing to share or just give good advice. He was respected and always a Gentleman, and a class act of a Husband, father, grandfather and friend to all. My Condolences to all the family!

Beth Diotti

October 22, 2025

What a gift of spirit, Danny was. Thoughts of him always brought a smile to my face and heart. There are people that you meet in life, who just stand out, even in high school, that was Danny. My heart and prayers go out to both his family and friends. Blessings and Strength to you.

Pat Adler

October 22, 2025

Rest easy my long lost friend.

Lonnie

October 22, 2025

Dan Smith was one of the best. I always knew he would help me with my cars and do his best for me. He was a wonder family man and I have been privileged to know the family for over 25 years. His passing breaks my heart. Much love to Janice, the girls and all the grandchildren.

Kathleen Mary Molina

October 21, 2025

I´m so very sorry for your loss. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
With love Kathleen Anderson Molina

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